Hayward, CA Housing Market Report

The Hayward housing market is currently transitioning into a more balanced environment, moving away from the aggressive competition seen in previous years. As of December 2025, the median home value stands at $826,707, reflecting a significant 6.85% decrease year-over-year. With a sale-to-list ratio of exactly 1, the market has reached a point of equilibrium where buyers are generally paying the asking price rather than engaging in the bidding wars that previously defined the San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley metro area.

Price trends over the last six months indicate a period of stabilization following a steady decline. After dropping from a high of $846,411 in July 2025, the monthly depreciation slowed significantly between November and December, suggesting the market may be finding its floor. This cooling trend is further evidenced by the increase in days on market, which has risen to 63 days—a full week longer than the same period last year. While inventory remains tight with 4,922 active listings, the slight 0.44% dip in supply has not been enough to offset the impact of higher borrowing costs on buyer demand.

For prospective buyers, the current landscape offers a rare window of opportunity to negotiate without the pressure of rapid price appreciation, though the rental market remains expensive with a median rent of $2,548. Sellers, on the other hand, must adjust their expectations to a slower pace of sales and ensure competitive pricing to attract interest. Looking ahead, the stabilization of prices in late 2025 suggests that while the rapid correction phase may be ending, the market will likely remain sensitive to interest rate fluctuations and broader economic conditions in the Bay Area throughout 2026.